In a bold strategic move, Ukraine has intensified its military efforts in the Russian border region of Kursk, aiming to establish a “buffer zone” that would prevent further cross-border assaults from Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed this objective on Sunday, as his forces successfully demolished a second vital bridge in the area, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
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The Ukrainian military’s advance into Kursk, which began nearly two weeks ago, is part of a broader strategy to weaken Russia’s offensive capabilities and regain control of contested territories.
As Ukrainian troops continue to push forward, their progress has left Russian forces scrambling to defend their own soil—a rare reversal of fortunes in a conflict that has seen Kyiv on the defensive for months.
President Zelensky, in his latest address, laid bare the strategic intent behind the Kursk operation.
“Our primary task in these defensive operations is to diminish Russia’s war potential as much as possible and carry out extensive counteroffensive actions,” Zelensky declared.
He emphasized that creating a “buffer zone” on Russian territory is critical to preventing further aggression and bringing an end to the war on Ukraine’s terms.
This buffer zone, as envisioned by Kyiv, would serve not only as a protective barrier but also as a psychological blow to Russia, which has long prided itself on its territorial integrity.
The Ukrainian president made it clear that any action that undermines Russia’s military, industrial, and economic strength directly contributes to a quicker resolution of the conflict.
The situation in Kursk has steadily escalated, with Ukrainian forces fortifying their positions and asserting control over nearly 1,000 square kilometers (approximately 621 square miles) of Russian land.
Both Russian and Ukrainian authorities have urged civilians in the affected areas to evacuate, as the fighting shows no signs of abating.
In a tactical move designed to cripple Russia’s logistics, Ukrainian forces launched a precision airstrike on a second bridge over the Seym River in Kursk on Sunday.
The destruction of this bridge follows the earlier demolition of another vital crossing in the same region.
Ukrainian Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk highlighted the significance of these attacks, stating that they are effectively “depriving the enemy of logistical capabilities,” thereby altering the dynamics of the battlefield.
These strikes have drawn a strong response from Russia, with its foreign ministry accusing Ukraine of using Western-supplied rockets, likely the U.S.-made HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), to carry out these operations.
The HIMARS system has been a game-changer for Ukraine, enabling it to reclaim large areas of territory from Russian control and inflict significant damage on Russian military infrastructure.
The Ukrainian advance in Kursk has also been documented by the monitoring group DeepState, which reported further gains in the region on Sunday.
A still image from a video, verified by CNN, showed a Ukrainian Defense Forces tank positioned in the village of Olgovka, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Sudzha.
Last week, Ukrainian forces took control of Sudzha, establishing a military commandant’s office in the town as they consolidated their presence in the region.
Despite the Ukrainian push into Kursk, Russian forces are not sitting idle. In eastern Ukraine, they continue to advance, particularly towards the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.
Pokrovsk serves as a crucial military hub for Ukraine, providing a vital link to the town of Kostiantynivka, another key military center.
The road between these two towns is essential for resupplying Ukrainian troops on the front lines and evacuating the wounded.
Serhii Dobriak, head of the Pokrovsk city military administration, warned that Russian forces are closing in, now just 11 kilometres (7 miles) from the city’s outskirts.
“The situation is critical, and we are preparing for all scenarios,” Dobriak said, noting that defense plans are in place and fortifications are being continuously strengthened in anticipation of further Russian advances.
As the conflict intensifies, the evacuation of civilians from Pokrovsk has accelerated. In the past week alone, nearly 1,800 residents have been moved to safer locations, a significant increase from the 450-500 people typically evacuated each month.
Dobriak urged remaining residents to consider their safety and leave the area as soon as possible, citing the escalating missile and artillery attacks that have already devastated large parts of the city.
Zelensky’s remarks underscore the high stakes of the ongoing conflict, with both Ukraine and Russia locked in a battle that shows no signs of slowing down. The outcome of the Kursk operation could have far-reaching implications, not only for the immediate region but for the broader trajectory of the war.
